Antarctica Flashcards
What % is covered by an inland ice sheet
98% holding 90% world’s freshwater
Two main ice shelves
Filchner-Ronne between Peninsula and East rapidly shrinking, Ross between West and East is world’s largest and acts as a stabiliser but one part melting 10x faster
Prominent mountain range
Ellsworth Mountains have Mt Vinson, highest on continent
Dry valleys
Only part without ice, katabatic winds, similar to Mars, cyanobacteria, McMurdo research station
Food web
Very small and vulnerable, krill keystone species
Position
Beyond 60 degrees S latitude, circumpolar Southern ocean
Peninsula
An extension of the Andes mountains with active volcanoes, 5 most active on Ross island
History with humans
Major British role: Cook first circumnavigator, Scott and Shackleton investigated
Research stations
McMurdo (dry valleys), Volstok (coldest ever -89C), South pole (1235km inland), 18 countries operate year round
Southern Ocean
Current drives rest
Antarctic Convergence Zone
40km, Subarctic and Southern Ocean meet, massive biodiversity
REMA map
Best mapped continent, 8ft accuracy, polar orbiting satellites
Antarctic Research Programme
1957/8, 12 countries who made claims on Antarctica, led to permanent research stations, treaty foundations
Antarctic Treaty
1959, 54 nations, establishes region as one of peace and science, doesn’t acknowledge claims, no military activity, only substantial scientific activity can join, oversights of environment, tourism, mineral exploitation
Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Flora and Fauna
1964, PEP strengthened and regulated against non-native species introduction
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals
1972, prevents killing Ross and Antarctic fur seals, PEP diversified species
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
1982, ensures ecosystem approach in commercial fishing, depleted stocks
Convention on the Regulation of Antarctic Mineral Resource Activities
1988, suggested mining if all agreed, Greenpeace protests, Australia withdrew, first major ATS threat
Protocol on Environmental Protection
1991, natural reserve devoted to peace and science, mineral resource activity ban to 2048, Environmental Impact Assessment, permits to enter ASPAs (not ASMAs but still management plans), prevented marine pollution e.g. oil spill contingency plans, waste management e.g. no open burning
United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea
1982, management of other global commons impacts
International Whaling Moratorium
1982, ban on all commercial whaling, UN enforced with Japan
ASOC
Formed by 30 NGOs in response to CRAMRA, now 150, only envmtal NGO invited to ATS meetings, calls to further reduce Polar Code emissions, advocates to protect e.g. S Ocean Marine Protected Areas network
IWC
1946 establishment before ATS so may be enough, 88 members, 50km2 Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, provide funds, set catch limits, work with SCAR
IAATO
100+ members, little other management, lighter grade oil for large ships, limit size and number of ships landed, involve tourists e.g. Happy Whale, Lindblad plan
SCAR
Created 1958 to develop and coordinate international scientific research, UNFCCC advisory body, attends ATS meetings, developed CCAS
UN Envmt Programme
Established 1972 to provide leadership and cooperation in envmtal care, v little other UN action, attended ATS meetings and contributed to reports but little else, indirect impact with climate change work
